Student IT Support - Multi-Factor Authentication

GUIDE TO CONFIGURING Multi-Factor Authentication

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an extra security measure that requires you to provide two or more forms of identification to access your account or system. This adds an extra layer of protection, making it much harder for unauthorized people to gain access, even if your password is compromised.

In today's digital landscape, relying solely on a password to protect your account is no longer sufficient. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal and misuse passwords. By adding an extra layer of security with MFA, we significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account.

To implement MFA, we’ll be using either Google Authenticator or Microsoft

Authenticator. These are user-friendly apps available for both iOS and Android devices that generate unique codes that you’ll use to verify your identity when prompted. If you use a Huawei device, you will need to install an application called GBox – please contact Service Desk for assistance.

This guide will take you through the process to register for MFA, which you only have to do once.

What you will need

1) A mobile device

2) Your Network identity (e.g. jsmith@uwc.ac.za) and password

3) The workstation you will be logging in with

Google Authenticator Application

Google Authenticator application found in the app store. Click on install.

(If you cannot find Google authenticator on the app store, install GBox first)

Click on get started and select Use Authenticator with an account. Sign-in with UWC Gmail Account. You might be prompted to verify Google 2-step verification.

On your computer, open your browser. The default-landing page will be the UWC

Intranet. If not open https://www.office.com/

Sign in using your UWC Network Identity (your credentials used for VPN, connecting to the Wi-Fi, etc.) for example jsmith@uwc.ac.za

You will be requested to enable additional security on your account. Click Next to proceed.

If you do not see the screen below, you are already registered for MFA and do not need to do anything further.

Select the Authenticator app method and click on Add

You are now asked to download and install the Microsoft Authenticator application on your cell phone. However, you have the choice of using Google Authenticator, which you may already be using for Gmail.

Click on I want to use a different authenticator app

Select Next.

Open the Google Authenticator app on your phone and use your phone to scan the QR code shown on your computer. On your mobile device, click on + to add an account and scan the QR code with Google Authenticator. Select next on your computer.

Enter the 6-digit code from the Google Authenticator app and click next on your browser.

Select the correct country and type in the cell phone number of the mobile device you will be using for MFA authentication and click on NEXT.

A SMS with a Code will be sent to the cell phone number you have indicated in the below image.

Enter the code that you received via SMS in the space provided and click on Next.

The verification of your mobile device is completed. Click on Next.

Your mobile device is now registered for MFA. Click on Done.